The decision to relocate the controversial mega-incinerator project is "good and fair" because the move shows that the government listens to the people, an opponent of the project said today.

Puchong protem residents action committee secretary HJ Lim said he really appreciated what Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting had done to relocate the plant.

Lim said the relocation was fought in the interest of all residents and described their campaign as "a worthwhile effort".

He also thanked residents in and around Puchong for supporting the signature and car sticker campaigns as well as contributing to the cause in cash and kind.

He said from the 10 members initially, the protem action committee had swelled to about 70.

Recounting the experience, Lim said there were times when they felt down because they had to reach out to people personally and distribute pamphlets from house-to-house.

He also urged the government to be more cautious when selecting the sites for any major projects.

Good location

Yesterday, the cabinet agreed to relocate the controversial 1,500-tonne capacity proposed incinerator, initially sited in Kampung Bohol to Broga, about 40km south of Kuala Lumpur.

The incinerator is said to be the biggest of its kind in the world.

Lim said he visited Broga this morning "to see how the place was". The new site is near a forest reserve.

"I was told by people there that the population was about 4,000. I also saw lots of trees and greenery. I think it is a good location.

"I did this because I don't want others to say that our reasons to ask for relocation was 'not-in-my-backyard-syndrome' on our part."

Asked about the possibility of a higher cost for garbage collection and disposal, Lim said he has no comments yet because the protem committee's objective was only relocation.

"We will leave it to the opposition parties to deal with those issues," he added.

The protem action committee's legal advisor S Selvanathan said the whole episode showed that residents' voices would be heard if actions are taken within the ambit of the law and after careful considerations of the implications.

"This committee's actions should be taken by all other residents groups in overcoming problems arising between government and residents

"Credit goes to each and every individual who signed the petition and who put up the car stickers on their cars to show their dissatisfaction over the incinerator project," he told malaysiakini .

Be sensitive

Selvanathan said that without the help and support of the petitioners, the relocation would not have happened.

"It is important that the government realises that it has to be sensitive to the needs of the people who form the backbone of the present government," he said, adding a note of thanks to Serdang member of Parliament Yap Pian Hon "who was with us throughout our ordeal".

Another protem action committee member Irene Chan wondered whether the relocated plant will now be a liability to others, considering the health risks involved.

"On the other hand, I'm happy that the government has agreed to relocate the project.

"I feel that we, as residents and citizens, should all come forward to raise issues affecting our lives. I feel that if our cause is genuine, we can get the authorities to listen to us and act on it," she said.